Solid fuel fires in South Coast national parks are banned through to the end of February next year. The fire ban means that only gas, liquid fuel stoves and electric BBQs can be used. The ban will affect all reserves managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service from Wollongong and along the NSW South Coast to the NSW border. The band does not affect the Royal National Park, where solid fuel fires are still permitted in barbecues. However campfires are banned in the national park. "Right along the coastal and escarpment reserves, dry conditions combined with hot, dry weather means that campfires are an ever-present risk in bushland areas throughout the region," said National Parks and Wildlife Service South Coast director Kane Weeks. "Under the current conditions, bushfires can start very easily from the sparks of a campfire. All it takes is a gust of wind and we could have a bushfire. "Historically there are many examples where campfires have been the cause of major bushfires."

Six-month fire ban in place for all South Coast national parks

National Parks and Wildlife Service has banned solid fuel fires in all its parks on the South Coast.

Solid fuel fires in South Coast national parks are banned through to the end of February next year.

The fire ban means that only gas, liquid fuel stoves and electric BBQs can be used.

The ban will affect all reserves managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service from Wollongong and along the NSW South Coast to the NSW border.

The band does not affect the Royal National Park, where solid fuel fires are still permitted in barbecues.

However campfires are banned in the national park.

"Right along the coastal and escarpment reserves, dry conditions combined with hot, dry weather means that campfires are an ever-present risk in bushland areas throughout the region," said National Parks and Wildlife Service South Coast director Kane Weeks.

"Under the current conditions, bushfires can start very easily from the sparks of a campfire. All it takes is a gust of wind and we could have a bushfire.

"Historically there are many examples where campfires have been the cause of major bushfires."